Acne and skin problems

Persistent acne, eczema, or an irritated skin? Discover why skin issues don’t just originate on the surface, and how we effectively address the deeper causes.

What is acne and why does it keep coming back?

Acne is not just a skin issue. It’s a signal that internal processes are out of balance. Many people believe acne is caused only by an impure skin or excessive oil production, but those are merely the visible effects of deeper underlying causes.

The skin is our largest detoxification organ. When there is an imbalance in the body and the organs can no longer detoxify properly, the skin is used to support this elimination process. The body makes it visible.

At BodySwitch, we look at the root cause of acne, and several factors play a role in this:

Hormones: Fluctuations in androgens and other hormones stimulate oil production and inflammation.
Gut health: An imbalance in the gut flora (dysbiosis) can trigger inflammatory responses and disrupt nutrient absorption.
Stress & immune system: Chronic stress activates inflammatory responses and can worsen hormonal imbalances.
Environmental factors: Toxins, medication use, and an overburdened liver can contribute to a chronically reactive skin.

💡 The skin never reacts without reason. Acne is a sign of an internal imbalance and deserves a thorough analysis.

How acne and skin problems manifest themselves

These symptoms often also have an emotional impact, such as reduced self-confidence or stress.

Pimples / pustules
Blackheads / comedones
Red bumps / papules
Deep under-the-skin inflammations / nodules
Red and irritated skin
Itching
Insecurity or low mood caused by skin problems
Dry, flaky patches, especially on the elbows and the backs of the knees

Skin problems? The skin-gut connection - the intestines as the cause

The skin and the gut are directly connected. What we eat and how we digest it influence the condition of our skin. Modern eating habits, stress, and medication use often lead to skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Gut microbiome and skin

Gut bacteria regulate the immune system through lymphocytes.
Some bacteria stimulate anti-inflammatory responses, while others trigger pro-inflammatory responses.
Short-chain fatty acids support healthy immune reactions and wound healing, which becomes visible in the skin.

Digestive issues and the skin

Hypochlorhydria, celiac disease, and SIBO can worsen skin problems.
Medications such as antibiotics or acid blockers can disrupt the gut flora and trigger skin problems.

Interaction between gut and skin microbiome

With a leaky gut, bacteria and metabolites can reach the skin and disrupt its natural balance.
This leads to inflammation, pimples, or redness.
Celiac disease, gluten, lactose intolerance, and intestinal parasites can contribute to skin problems.

💡 The gut microbiome continuously influences the skin microbiome. A healthy gut = healthy skin.

Acne always has a cause

The skin never reacts without a reason. Acne and other skin problems are always the result of internal triggers that are often overlooked.

Deeper causes:

Hormonal imbalance: Androgens stimulate oil production and influence immune cells.
Disrupted gut flora: Dysbiosis leads to pro-inflammatory reactions and a leaky gut.
Chronic inflammation: Nutrients, stress, and toxins activate inflammatory processes.
Insufficient immune regulation: Lymphocytes respond to internal signals and drive skin inflammation.

💡 As long as these internal factors are present, the skin will continue to signal. Treating only the symptoms is not enough.

The role of nutrition, hormones, and gut health

More than 75% of skin problems are caused by lifestyle and environmental factors. The gut–skin axis plays a crucial role. When it becomes disrupted, it can lead to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and reduced nutrient absorption, all of which worsen acne and other skin issues.

Overview of common skin problems

What is acne?

Acne is a collective term for skin conditions that arise from inflamed or clogged sebaceous glands. The most well-known form is teenage acne (acne vulgaris). Acne manifests through:

Pimples / pustules
Blackheads / comedones
Red bumps / papules
Deep under-the-skin inflammations / nodules
Red and irritated skin

Different forms of acne:

Acne vulgaris – teenage acne, ages 15–25
Acne conglobata – a severe form, often seen in men
Acne tarda – occurs later in life, more common in women
Acne fulminans – rare, severe form with fever and abscesses
Pityrosporum folliculitis – yeast pimples, often itchy

How acne differs:

Internally driven: symptoms reflect hormonal and inflammatory processes
Occurs in oil-rich areas: face, back, shoulders
Chronic and recurrent
Can cause scarring if acne is untreated or improperly treated

Causes of acne:

Hormonal influences (androgens, stress, cortisol)
Heredity
Cosmetics or skincare products
Medication

Acne scars:

Severe or untreated acne can cause permanent scarring
Risk increases when pimples are squeezed
Treatment through skin therapy or laser treatment

Other skin problems:

Acne is a collective term for skin conditions that arise from inflamed or clogged sebaceous glands. The most well-known form is teenage acne (acne vulgaris). Acne manifests through:

Eczema (atopic/constitutional eczema) – itching, redness, dry patches
Rosacea – redness, visible blood vessels, sometimes pimples
Psoriasis – scaling, inflammation, chronic
Contact allergy / dermatitis – itching or burning caused by allergens
Skin infections – bacterial, viral, or fungal-related
Hyperpigmentation – dark spots after inflammation or sun exposure

Acne is distinguished by its hormonal and inflammation-driven nature and its occurrence in specific areas of the body.

Factors that influence acne and skin problems

Hormones: sebum production and inflammatory responses
Stress: affects hormonal balance and the immune system
Gut health: dysbiosis, leaky gut
Environment: toxins, medication, skincare products
Genetics: hereditary predisposition

Cause-focused, personalized, and effective

Step-by-step plan:

Comprehensive intake & analysis
Specialized laboratory testing
Personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan
Restoration of gut flora & hormones
Evidence-based supplements
Tailored skincare advice
Sustainable treatment plan focused on internal restoration

💡 At BodySwitch, we don’t just fight the symptoms — we tackle the root cause.

Do you want a calm, clear, and radiant skin?

Get in touch and discover the approach that suits you.